The Club can trace its long tradition of donating to charitable causes back to at least 1915, but it was in the 1950s as Hong Kong struggled to cope with post-war reconstruction and a massive influx of immigrants, that this role became integral to its operation. In 1955, the Club formally decided to devote its surplus each year to charity and community projects. In 1959, a separate company, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (Charities) Ltd, was formed to administer donations. This company has in turn evolved into The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, established in 1993.
The range and diversity of recipient projects and programmes reflect the Club's objective which is to add value where it will provide the greatest benefit to society as a whole. The Club serves six principal areas of civic and social need: promoting a healthy living; lending a hand and volunteering; creating possibilities; developing sports, fun and games; cultivating arts and culture; and preserving and creating jobs.
Working with Government and non-profit agencies, the Club aims to improve the quality of life of the people of Hong Kong and immediate relief to those most in need. In addition to this ongoing work, the Club proactively identifies and generates projects that anticipate future community and social needs.
